July 2009Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Omniflex has developed a system of scaleable telemetry outstations for GSM cellular networks to support general packet radio service (GPRS) transmission of data from remote outstations that require monitoring.
“The suitability of GSM networks has become a reality due to their coverage, reliability and low cost of ownership,” says Ian Loudon, Omniflex sales manager. “There is no infrastructure cost to consider as you have with in-house based systems and you can extend your monitoring country wide, in fact, it is possible to use the technology outside the country’s borders as well.”
Omniflex remote distributed power meter solution using a GSM network
Realtime advantages
With power monitoring and power saving an issue at the forefront of management minds the application of monitoring technologies comes to the fore. Since all plants are billed on their power usage by Eskom, municipality’s etc monthly, via meter readings, it is often difficult to get timely consumption information. The surprise comes at month end when the bill arrives! Many plants do monitor the bulk supply and even have check meters in place to verify the billing meter, however, getting access to the data on say an hourly or daily basis is problematic and in many cases expensive.
Example of the Web-based interface
The important issues to keep in mind are:
* Metering done at bulk level (main feeders) many have several bulk connections.
* Access to meter readings difficult (manual, networked).
* Consolidation of data difficult.
* Remote meters are difficult to reach with communications networks.
* Low resolution of power consumption within the organisation.
* No reporting to management allowing corrective action.
* High cost of implementing new systems.
* Large distributed organisations cannot easily consolidate the utilities bill over the group.
* Benchmarking. (How efficient are we?)
Loudon comments, “Most companies suffer similar problems when it comes to identifying where the waste is happening, how to monitor it and what to do. Managing the utilities bill is a concern for everyone, but often the responsibility is not allocated to anyone specifically. This not only applies to electricity but also water, air, gas and fuel-stuff.”
Load profile trend
The Omniflex response
Omniflex has developed the web-based remote monitoring systems infrastructure to put data into the right hands by measuring and monitoring those resources, consolidating the information and automating the reporting process and alarm notifications. Empowering people to make decisions that save the organisation money.
Omniflex can integrate the system into management ERP or scada systems where necessary. Generally these systems are not manned 24/7 and thus the ‘always-on’ web-based monitoring with automated alarming and reporting has been implemented. The connection to ERP is ideal where these systems are integral to the day to day business operations, like vendor managed inventory.
Omniflex interfaces directly with plant metering through serial communications eliminating duplication of measurement. This, however, is reviewed on a site by site basis to allow for the constraints of each site and metering in place. A power audit is often the best course of action to identify the areas using the most power and thus increase the potential for savings.
Automated reports via e-mail to designated recipients
The Omniflex solution comprises:
* 12-40 modular programmable remote terminal units (RTUs).
* Inputs and serial communications port for third party devices ie, electricity meters.
* Web-based monitoring for access from anywhere by anyone (with access rights).
* Automated reporting: daily, weekly, monthly.
* Direct SMS to service personnel.
* Intelligent power meters for monitoring the power consumption of the plant.
Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
Read more...Taming the terrain Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Effectively monitoring and controlling water distribution networks is crucial if we are to avoid wasting this valuable, life-preserving resource. Wireless telemetry systems play a vital role in this task, collecting data from remote locations and transmitting it to a central control station for real-time monitoring and control.
Read more...Sustainability of surface water Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...Keeping an eye on invisible radiation Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.
Read more...Industrial signal conditioning Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Electrical Power & Protection
Automation for Industry 4.0, process control, data acquisition, and alarm processing all rely on the conversion of physical signals to a standardised, usable format, that engineered systems can reliably use to manage industrial processes.
Read more...Assessing the order of events Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Being able to monitor plant alarms and events in real time, in chronological order, is critical when a plant experiences an avalanche of alarms caused by an abnormal event. Sequence of events modules can be used to cut unplanned plant downtime and reduce operational costs.
Read more...Signal conditioning is the protective armour between plant and field Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Sensors & Transducers
Measurement and control of physical properties are the foundation of all critical industrial technologies. Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains the challenges of industrial signal conditioning and the importance of safety engineering.
Read more...Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.
Read more...A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.
printer friendly version